John Joseph “Jack” Talbot III, 73, of Buxton, died peacefully at home on March 2nd, his loving wife Mary Jo by his side, after a battle with adenocarcinoma, arguably the only fight he ever lost.

Jack was born in Portland on December 19, 1949, to Gertrude Thompson and John Joseph Talbot II. After graduating from Portland High School in 1968, where he played baseball and football and ran track, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Although he also worked construction jobs and drove at ABC Taxi for many years, where he made many lifelong friends, Jack’s favorite place was on the sea as a commercial fisherman, wrangling lobsters and making the best haddock chowdah you’ve ever had.

Despite his gruff exterior, Jack had the biggest heart, and the biggest soft spot when it came to animals—especially dogs, perhaps because they too share such a fierce loyalty to their loved ones. Jack might show up to a nice dinner in old jeans and a well-loved Yankees T-shirt, but rumor has it he once dressed up in a suit and tie, hair combed, flowers in hand, to attend a funeral—of a cat.

Jack is survived by his wife Mary Jo Talbot, bonus daughter, Natalie Johnson and her partner Harrison Warren, and bonus son, Allan Saulle, all of Portland.

Jack’s graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 25th at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. A celebration of life will follow from 2:00-5:00 PM at the American Legion at 23 Deering Street in Portland, where many a Budweiser will be downed in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Portland Seamen's Friend Society, 14 Lewis Street, Westbrook, ME, 04092.